241K Grants Approved For Tourism Promotion Development

DELHI - Delaware County Supervisors approved 69 applications totaling $241,210 for the tourism promotion and development grant program on April 9. The program is funded through occupancy tax revenue and overseen by the Tourism Advisory Board and the Department of Economic Development.

The following not-for-profit businesses and organizations were approved for funding totaling $184,810 - Arts & Rec. Inc of Stamford, Catskill Water Discovery of Arkville, Hancock Partners Inc, Margaretville Arts Center, Utsayantha Regional Arts League of Hobart, Music on the Delaware of Walton, The Party Theater of Stamford, Catskill Revitalization Corporation of Hobart, Catskill Water Discovery Center of Arkville, Hanford Mill Museum of East Meredith, The Round Barn of Halcottsville, Arts Inn Collective Inc of Fleischmanns, Catskills Folk Connection, Catskill Mountain Club, Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce in Margaretville, Colchester Historical Society, Deposit Lumber Jack Festival, Downsville CSD Class of 2028, Farming Bovina, Fleischmanns First, Hancock Area Chamber of Commerce, Hanford Mills Museum, Livestock Foundation of Bovina, Rotary Club of Hobart, Stamford Wellness Center, The Hancock Community Education Foundation, Town of Hamden, West Kortright Center, Bloomville Community Pride, Del. Cty Historical Association, Delaware Valley Ag Society, Franklin Railroad & Community Museum, 4 Towns Forward of Sidney, Community Cultural Center of Sidney, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Franklin Stage Co., Friends of Branley Mountain Fire Tower of Bloomville, Hancock Partners, Rotary Club of Hobart, Saint James Church Lake Delaware of Delhi, The Pakatakan Farmers Market of Halcottsville, The Party Theater of Stamford, Upper Del. Scenic Byway, Walton Historical Society, and WIOX Community Radio. 

The following for-profit organizations and businesses were awarded funds totaling $48,000 - Calico Outlaw Brewing of Arkville, Catskill Mornings of Arkville, Cloud Crowd of Bloomville, Doolittles of Fleischmanns, Fitness by Reagan of Delhi, Historic Auto Endurance Runs fo Margaretville, Hobart, and Roxbury, and Maple Shade Farm Events of Delhi.

Some organizations were funded for multiple projects. Projects are related to increasing advertising and promotion, event organization costs, or event costs that will help increase visitation of areas.

Hamden Supervisor Wayne Marshfield pointed out the financial struggle many towns face in enforcing and conducting proper inspections for transient businesses. He asked if the grant program could expand to support municipalities' code enforcement budget. 

Economic Development Director Glenn Nealis said this is something the Tourism Advisory Board has discussed. In the future, Nealis will contact towns to determine exact issues for possible funding opportunities. 

For more information or to apply for grants visit dcecodev.com/tourism-grant-programs.

Supervisors further allocated $148,772 of sales tax revenues to fund 2025 tourism promotion goals. The majority of funds will be used for the development of an outdoor recreation application and implementation of the 2025 Meda Plan, said Nealis. Some of the funds allocated were unspent from the 2024 budget and are being moved. 

In other business, Supervisors accepted a land donation from the Dent Family. The family donated two parcels to be used by 4-H Camp Shankitunk on Arbor Hill Road, Delhi. The camp is operated on county-owned land. Andes Supervisor Wayland "Bud" Gladstone said the properties will help facilitate an expansion of the camp's forestry education program.

Supervisors extended the contract by 59 days for bridge replacement over Cold Spring Creek on Dug Road in Deposit. The bid was awarded to Tioga Construction for $2,558,539.85 in 2024. The project has been delayed due to invasive plant issues and weather concerns, the resolution states. 

The next regular Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled Wednesday, April 23 at 1 p.m.